Real Madrid chief wants Ancelotti

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed that Carlo Ancelotti is the club's first-choice managerial target.

The Santiago Bernabeu outfit have been strongly linked with a move for the Paris Saint-Germain coach since Jose Mourinho's departure was announced. And Perez has admitted that Ancelotti has been identified as the man to succeed the Portuguese.

"At this point we need a coach who really knows us and the Italian Carlo Ancelotti knows us because four years ago I tried to sign him and could not," Perez told EsRadio.

"If he can get out of his PSG deal, we are happy, and if not, very well, but I do not think this issue will last long."

Perez also discussed the future of Real's sporting director Zinedine Zidane, claiming that the Frenchman could serve as an assistant manager next season.

"What is certain is that he wants to be a coach and I think he should start on a team that is not directly the first team at Real Madrid," he added.

"He himself doesn't want that. He could do as Aitor Karanka did with Jose Mourinho, with the next coach, or he could train any team in the youth set-up, but mostly he will help shape improvements to the squad for next season.

"Anything that we can improve in the squad, we will, but we do not have any players for sale. It is early June, there is still a long way to go. With tranquillity we will do things better.

"Now we have to close the subject of the coach and then talk about players. With me people do not have to worry. If there is a great player, everyone knows that I will try to sign him."